Lancaster

Our original plans were to take a hope to Germany for vacation, but there ended up being not enough space available to accommodate all the passengers, and we didn't have any backup dates to make it because it would be cutting it too close to Joe's family coming to visit. At first I was really sad we couldn't go to Germany and visit my brother, and maybe even a little upset with Joe for not taking leave sooner like I asked so we could beat the school crowd, but Joe took us the next day to PA for a few days. It was so much fun! Still a little sad we didn't make it to Germany, especially because one of our favorite people we always visit, Herbert, passed away last week and we will now never see him again. That being said, PA was just what our family needed and I'm sorry we didn't make this trip more often while we were here.

Brayden loved playing in this cubby in the hotel room.

For our kids the hotel is always the most exciting part of the trip. They get so excited. I love how these two kids enjoy being together.

We went to a Thomas the train museum. We got there shortly before closing, but the kids still had a great time.

Annika loved this train table.

We also went to Dutch Wonderland, a Kingdom for Kids. I loved this place more than Disneyland for the kids. There were no lines and Annka had a blast, and so did Brayden for that matter.

Can you see the excitement in Annika's eyes? She enjoyed herself so much!

Happily riding a ride that whips you around corners. She had a great time!

Brayden riding the car ride.

Annika loved driving her car!

We went to the Sights and Sounds theater to watch "Joseph" that night, afterward we went out for dinner and Annika got to pet little goats outside. She really loves animals.

After dinner there was a lovely sunset.

In the morning we went on a train ride through the Amish country. We saw Thomas the train at the station too.

On the open air train compartment.

Such pretty scenery along the ride.

They also had an Amtrak train on display celebrating 100 years or something along those lines. Annika as the conductor.

We went on a buggy ride.

Brayden loved this ride and was totally fascinated with the horses. He was so excitable, which means loud, the entire ride. Everyone was laughing at him.

Riding to an Amish farm.

We toured a barn and saw lots of animals.

Annika liked this baby cow. It really was cute!

We saw men working the fields.

It really was a great trip and I wish we were here long enough to do it again.